Fresh new Nissan Rogue is outstanding

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(October 23, 2016) LAKE OCONEE, Ga. — Following three straight years of sales growth since the introduction of the completely redesigned second-generation Nissan Rogue for the 2014 model year, it has been given a mid-cycle refreshing for 2017 to stay competitive in the booming compact crossover market.

The updated look includes a new front fascia with integrated fog lamps; bumper and the Nissan signature “V-Motion” grille that by the way looks more like a “U.” Headlamps have been revised with LED signature daytime running lights, new LED boomerang rear taillights and new 19-inch alloy wheels on the SL tri
m level. For the first time Nissan has made a motion-activated rear liftgate available on the Rogue that activates both the opening and closing with a kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper.



Rogue will be offered in a choice of nine exterior colors including Monarch Orange, Caspian Blue and Palatial Ruby new for 2017.

Inside the 2017 Rogue remains relatively unchanged but there are a new flat-bottom steering wheel that’s available with a heating option and also tilts and telescopes; memory for driver’s seats and mirror; remote engine start; and a revised center console. Also new is a Platinum Reserve Interior Package (available on Rogue SL) highlighted by premium tan leather-appointed seats with special quilted leather inserts.

Front bucket seats are a special Zero Gravity design and we found the to be the most comfortable seats in the compact crossover segment. We also liked the available (SV and SL trim levels) Quick Comfort heated front seats, designed to immediately begin warming, especially for cold weather climates.

It’s also worth noting that the Rogue is the only compact crossover utility vehicle in its class that offers a third row of seats for 7-passenger seating (not available on hybrid). We also liked that the second row of seats slide for and aft for additional legroom. The cargo area is one of the largest and most useful in the segment.

The 2017 Rogue retains the same 2.5-liter 170 horsepower four-cylinder engine that powered the 2016 model. The Rogue uses a continuously variable automatic transmission. We were pleased with our overall fuel economy at just over 29 miles per gallon and is actually quite high for the compact crossover utility vehicle segment.

With a move aimed directly at class competitor Toyota RAV4, Nissan is also adding a first-ever hybrid variant to the Rogue lineup boosting projected fuel economy to 35 mpg (estimated, front wheel drive models). The Rogue Hybrid will go on sale by the end of 2016.

The new Rogue is anticipated to become Nissan’s top-selling vehicle and we can see why. We were well pleased with its ride and handling, the way it absorbs road imperfections with ease, and its solid, well built feel. We think the 2017 Rogue is one of the best values in the segment offering an exceptional ride, ample room, excellent fuel economy, class-leading safety features, and new infotainment technology and connectivity.

Vital Stats

Price: $23,820 - $33,940
Price as Tested: $33,940
Seating: Up to 7
Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 170
Fuel Economy: 26 City – 33 Highway

Competes With

Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Escape
Honda CRV
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Toyota RAV4

Fab Features

Impressive fuel economy
Elegant, roomy interior with 3-row seating
Advanced safety and technology features